Maytag Dishwasher: not draining completely
What is this symptom?
Experiencing standing water in your Maytag dishwasher after a wash cycle? This common issue can stem from a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or a malfunctioning pump. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix this problem to restore proper drainage.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- New installations often fail to drain if the garbage disposal knock-out plug wasn’t removed or drain hose lacks a proper high loop/air gap.
Possible Causes
Clogged dishwasher filter
How to Identify: Visible food debris or gunk on or around removable filter screen at bottom of tub; standing water after cycle ends.
Part: Dishwasher filter
Blocked drain hose
How to Identify: Water remains and drain hose is kinked, crushed, or blocked; traces of food/debris visible when disconnecting hose under sink; no water flows when hose removed.
Part: Drain hose
Clogged or blocked garbage disposal or air gap
How to Identify: Dishwasher drains into a disposer; disposer or air gap clogged and water backs up; air gap cap difficult to remove or visibly filled.
Part: Garbage disposal/air gap
Faulty drain pump or motor assembly
How to Identify: Pump hums but does not drain; unusual noises during drain cycle; no electrical activity at pump when tested.
Part: Drain pump and motor
Drain solenoid or valve failure
How to Identify: Valve doesn’t actuate during drain cycle; electrical tests show no activation; filter and hose clear but water remains.
Part: Drain solenoid/valve
DIY Solutions
Clean dishwasher filter and remove debris
- Remove bottom dish rack
- Locate and remove dishwasher filter
- Rinse filter under running water and scrub with soft brush
- Reinstall filter and run a short cycle to test drainage
Inspect and clear drain hose blockages
- Turn off dishwasher power and water supply
- Locate drain hose under sink and disconnect at both ends
- Check and clear debris from hose and straighten any kinks
- Reattach hose securely and test dishwasher
- Ensure high loop or air gap installation as per manual
Clear air gap or garbage disposal blockage
- Remove air gap cap and clear debris
- Run garbage disposal to clear internal clogs
- Check dishwasher drain connection at disposal
- Test dishwasher drain function
Next step
Choose the next step for not draining completely
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Dishwasher Filter
Screens food debris from recirculating wash water and protects the pump system.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $65
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 5-15 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drain Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
Model-compatible Dishwasher parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler
Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.
Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose
For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace drain pump and motor assembly
Replace drain solenoid or valve
Professional installation check and re-route hoses
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean dishwasher filter: Clogs that lead to drainage problems
Frequency: monthly -
Run garbage disposal periodically: Backups from disposal affecting dishwasher drainage
Frequency: weekly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not draining completely?
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not draining completely myself?
How much does it cost to fix not draining completely?
When should I call a technician for not draining completely?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Clogged drain hose
- Faulty drain pump
- Blocked filter or sump area
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and clear the drain hose. Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and check for clogs. Clean it thoroughly and reconnect.
-
Test the drain pump for functionality. If it doesn't operate when activated, consider replacing it.
-
Remove and clean the filter and sump area. This can often be done by hand and requires no special tools.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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